Small and medium-sized businesses in Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal can now get free, practical help to explore and adopt digital technology. Through the DS3 programme, AIM Centre is offering local SMEs a digital diagnostic, tailored one-to-one mentoring and practical workshops.
Whether you are taking your first steps with digital tools or looking to get more from the ones you already use, the programme is designed to meet you where you are. Here is how it works, and how to get started.
What is the programme?
DS3 (Digital Services Supports Spaces) is a cross-border project funded by PEACEPLUS. It brings together councils, colleges and universities on both sides of the border to help towns and villages become more digitally connected, and to help local businesses become more competitive.
In Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal, AIM Centre delivers the programme's support for SMEs. The support is free for eligible businesses and takes place in local towns and villages, in person and online.
The programme has two main steps, with optional workshops running alongside:
Digital diagnostic – understand where your business is today
One-to-one mentoring – turn the findings into a practical plan
Workshops – build skills at any stage
Step 1: Your digital diagnostic
Every business starts with a digital diagnostic. A member of the AIM team will work with you to understand your business, how you currently use digital technology and where digital tools could help address challenges or improve how you work.
The diagnostic is a structured look at your business, not a sales pitch. It gives you a clear starting point, and it shapes everything that follows: your report, your recommendations and, where appropriate, your mentoring.
Step 2: One-to-one mentoring
Building on your diagnostic, AIM will prepare a tailored report outlining priority areas, practical next steps, relevant training and potential funding opportunities. We will guide you through the recommendations and help you plan how to put them into practice.
Because the mentoring is built from your own diagnostic, you work on the priorities that matter to your business. These might include:
AI adoption
Digital marketing
E-commerce
Productivity tools
Alongside your journey: workshops
Running alongside the diagnostic and mentoring is a series of practical workshops, in person and online, across Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal. They are designed for SMEs, open to all levels, and offered at foundation and improver level, so you can join at any stage.
The workshops are optional, however they are a good way to build practical skills and see what digital tools could do for your business.
Click here to see when the next workshop is taking place.
What you leave with:
Every participant leaves with practical, written outcomes they can act on:
A clear picture of your digital strengths and gaps
A written report and practical action plan
Expert support to put it into action
Signposting to further supports, including relevant training and potential funding
Our aim is that the skills and knowledge stay with your business after the programme ends.
Why AIM Centre
AIM Centre is home of the National AI Studio and specialises in helping SMEs adopt AI and digital tools. We provide training to local businesses and offer practical, expert one-to-one support, in plain English and without jargon.
How to get started
Getting started is simple. Visit our programme page to find out more, sign up for your digital diagnostic or book a place at the next workshop. Once you register, we will be in touch to arrange your diagnostic.
The programme is open to SMEs in Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal.
A project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).